Patchell: Blues in high spirits

The Cardiff Blues will start their RaboDirect PRO12 campaign full of confidence according to fly half Rhys Patchell.

As a team we'll take a lot of confidence out of that, it's a big win against a top side in Sale

Phil Davies' side made it two wins from two in pre-season, crushing Sale 45-24 in front of more than 7,000 fans at Cardiff Arms Park last Friday.

Patchell starred in what was ultimately a comfortable win, guiding his side forward from fly half and slotting a 50 metre drop goal to boot.

It means the Blues can go into their first competitive game of the season against Glasgow in high spirits.

"As a team we'll take a lot of confidence out of that, it's a big win against a top side in Sale," said 20-year-old Patchell.

"Hopefully now we'll carry that into Glasgow. They're no mugs and could potentially have won the RaboDirect last year so we're under no illusions there's a lot of work to go yet.

"I'm in my second season and I'm really looking forward to it. I've had a good block in pre-season and the boys are training magnificently well. There's a good vibe down the Blues and we're ready to rock and roll."

The Blues were 17-3 down at one stage on Friday but roared back in the second half as Phil Davies made a number of changes.

The Williams trio of Tom, Lloyd and Owen all crossed as the Blues hit a purple patch immediately after the break.

Dafydd Hewitt and a second from Owen Williams put a gloss on the final score, making the Blues' first appearance on the new artificial surface at Cardiff Arms Park one to remember.

"In the second half we spoke about how we needed more territory and to keep hold of the ball in key areas," said Patchell, who won his first Wales cap on the tour of Japan in June.

"I think we did that. The forwards were outstanding, carrying around the corner and as a 10, you have to reward the forwards for their hard work."

On his long-range drop goal, he added: "It was hit and hope. It's one of those things you practice on the schoolyard or down at a club when you're a kid.

"Fortunately enough it went over and everyone is saying it's a great kick but if it had missed, people would have been asking why I'd gone for the drop goal."

The win over Sale was the Blues' first experience of competitive action on the new pitch, something the region are hoping will give them an advantage this season.

"It's wonderful and a really fast pitch. Nobody came off with any bad scratches and everybody's looking forward to the season," said Patchell.

"It's a state of the art pitch and all we have to do is trust it and it will reward us.

"Everyone was really pleased with the pitch and with the performance."

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